Diocesan Board of Education
Diocese of Belleville

Policy2610

Click for PDF

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

Parent and Guardian Code of Conduct Policy

Rooted in the Gospel and the teachings of the Catholic Church, our school calls all members of our community, including students, parents, staff, and clergy, to live and act in accordance with the Gospel values of charity, respect, humility, and truth. As such, the cooperation of parents and guardians is essential to the integrity of our mission and the success of each child’s Christian formation. Parents and guardians are the primary educators of their children and enter into a partnership with the school in the spiritual, moral, intellectual, and social formation of their child.

Condition of Enrollment

It is an express condition of enrollment that parents, guardians, and students conduct themselves, both on and off campus, in a manner consistent with the mission, policies, and teachings of the Catholic Church, as reasonably interpreted by the school administration. These principles include, but are not limited to, the teachings of the Church and any expectations set forth in the Student and Parent Handbook, Code of Conduct, or other school and diocesan policies.

Enrollment at the school is a privilege, not a right, and requires a cooperative and supportive partnership between the family and the school in pursuit of the school's Catholic mission.

Core Expectations

Parents/guardians are expected to:

• Model Christian behavior by speaking and acting with charity, honesty, patience, and respect, even during times of disagreement or conflict;
• Seek to resolve concerns and disputes in a spirit of reconciliation, recognizing the dignity of every person and the importance of preserving the unity of the school community;
• Collaborate courteously and constructively with school personnel to support the spiritual, academic, moral, and behavioral development of their child(ren);
• Address concerns regarding their child or the school directly, respectfully, and through appropriate channels of communication, recognizing the importance of resolving concerns at the lowest appropriate level whenever possible;
• Respect the authority, dignity, and God-given worth of all school employees, volunteers, coaches, clergy, parents, and students;
• Refrain from conduct, whether verbal, written, digital, or physical, that is disruptive, hostile, divisive, or contrary to the mission, teachings, and values of the Catholic Church and the school;
• Avoid gossip, detraction, calumny, rumor-spreading, or other communications that may damage the reputation, dignity, or well-being of members of the school community;
• Avoid confrontational communications with other parents or students regarding disciplinary, personnel, or school-related matters, recognizing that such concerns should be addressed through appropriate school channels;
• Support the school's mission as a partner in forming students as disciples of Jesus Christ and faithful members of the Catholic community.

These expectations apply during school hours, at all school-sponsored events including athletics, field trips, co-curricular activities, and extended care, and in any setting, including electronic and social media communications, that may reasonably be associated with or impact the school community.

Unacceptable Conduct

Although the following list is not exhaustive, the following are examples of conduct that will not be tolerated:

1. Harassing, threatening, intimidating, or inappropriate electronic communications, including emails, text messages, social media posts, or other digital communications directed toward or concerning members of the school community;
2. Disrespect toward any school staff member, student, volunteer, or fellow parent;

Raising voices, name-calling, profanity, or verbal abuse directed at any member of the school community;

1. Threats, physical intimidation, or any form of violence;
2. Gossip, detraction, calumny, defamatory statements, rumor-spreading, or social media activity that harms the reputation, dignity, or well-being of members of the school community.
3. Any action determined by the school administration to be inconsistent with the mission, teachings, and values of the Catholic Church, or that materially disrupts the operations or well-being of the school community.

 The school administration reserves the right to determine whether conduct violates this policy and to assess the appropriate response in light of the school's mission and the circumstances involved.

Disciplinary Consequences

The school's preference is always to restore positive relationships and maintain the partnership between the family and the school whenever possible. In keeping with the Gospel values of reconciliation, charity, and mutual respect, the school seeks to resolve concerns constructively and preserve the unity of the school community. Families are encouraged to approach disagreements in a spirit of prayer, mutual understanding, and Christian charity.

However, when conduct significantly undermines the school's mission, threatens the safety or well-being of others, or renders a productive partnership impossible, more serious consequences, including required withdrawal, may be imposed.

Failure to meet these standards may result in corrective action, including but not limited to:

• Verbal or written warning;
• Required meeting with administration-including principal and pastor;
• Temporary or permanent exclusion of the parent/guardian from school grounds or events;
• Suspension of volunteer privileges;
• Requirement to withdraw the student from the school.

While the school will make reasonable efforts to issue a warning before more serious action is taken, advance notice is not guaranteed. Particularly severe or repeated misconduct may warrant immediate exclusion or withdrawal without prior warning.

Aggravating factors, such as prior incidents, severity of the behavior, presence of children during the conduct, or a pattern of inappropriate behavior, will be considered in determining the appropriate response.

Appeals

Any disciplinary decision under this policy may be appealed through the diocesan grievance process as outlined in the diocesan Parent Grievance Policy.

The school seeks to foster a community that reflects the love of Christ, respects the dignity of every person, promotes safety, unity, charity, and mutual accountability among all members of the school family.

We thank all parents and guardians for partnering with us in fostering a respectful, faith-filled, and Christ-centered school community.

Adopted: August 18, 2026